City : Vancouver

Category : Full time

Industry : Educational Services

Employer : University of British Columbia

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title

Research Assistant

Department

Research | Oberg Lab | Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range

$4,333.86 - $5,155.61 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

May 27, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

June 14, 2027

 

 

 

 

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary
Egesta, at the Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability (IRES), is looking for a full-time Research Assistant position to join our new six-year-long project, based at UBC Vancouver.

We welcome applicants with backgrounds in education, environmental science, toxicology, chemistry, Indigenous studies, public policy, qualitative research, and other related areas of expertise. We are a part of a large, interdisciplinary, inter-institutional and international initiative: Transforming Chemical Risk Management with Indigenous Expertise, led by Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars across North America and Aotearoa: Dr. Susan Chiblow (Anishnaabe Kwe, Garden River), Dr. M Murphy (Red River Métis), Dr. Gunilla Öberg (recent settler from Sweden), Dr. Kristen Bos (Red River Métis), Dr. Deborah McGregor (Anishinaabe, Whitefish River), Dr. Amanda Giang (settler of Taiwanese heritage), Dr. Jamie Ataria (Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), and Dr. Karen Fisher (Ngāti Maniapoto, Tainui), and Dr. Louis Tremblay (Pakeha).

With our team, you will be developing educational materials for future chemicals management professionals, to support their understanding of the colonial histories underlying this field, contribute to the decolonization of the field (e.g. widening the types of expertise and data used in risk assessment), and facilitate co- learning between professionals and Indigenous Nations. You will also conduct critical analyses of existing ethical guidelines for engaging in research with Indigenous Peoples, which will be used to inform the development of the educational materials.

Application priority will be given to Indigenous people from North America.          

Organizational Status
This position will report directly to Dr. Gunilla Öberg.  This position is based at UBC (Vancouver Campus). Some travel for conference work and/or community engagement may be required.

Work Performed
o    Assist in reviewing current ethical guidelines and policies (e.g., TCPS2, OCAP, community protocols), related to working with Indigenous communities or organizations.

o    Assist in the preparation of case studies demonstrating key ethical challenges in conducting research with Indigenous communities or organizations, for use in learning materials.

o    Collaborate with researchers and educators to implement findings in institutional policies and classrooms.

o    Assist in the preparation, implementation and analysis of interviews, focus groups, workshops and sharing circles.

o    Create media (e.g., blogs, power points, photos, videos, zines, artwork) to support public communication and curriculum work.

o    Support the design and implementation of research studies using Indigenous research methodologies, including applying OCAP principles and maintaining reflexivity throughout the research process.

o   Write for academic, governmental, and community audiences using plain language and accessible formats.

o    Ensure data security and confidentiality protocols are maintained throughout all research activities.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
This role involves building relationships with individuals, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, and communities. Failure to respectfully engage or follow appropriate research protocols may erode trust and jeopardize these relationships. Error or poor judgement will result in lack of confidence in the Institute and a poor impression by the public, granting agencies, and other stakeholders.

Supervision Received
Works under general direction within established policies, procedures and standards. The position reports to Dr. Gunilla Öberg, with additional advisory support given by project PI Dr. Sue Chiblow.

Supervision Given
The position is not expected to provide supervision.

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

o    Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Indigenous research methodologies, decolonization, and reconciliation.

o    Familiarity with Indigenous knowledge systems and pedagogies.

o    Experience conducting qualitative research, including interviews, focus groups, or community-based research.

o    Excellent written and oral communication skills, with ability to write for both academic and community audiences.

o    Strong organizational and coordination abilities, with experience managing multiple tasks and deadlines.

o    Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

o    Commitment to ethical research practices, cultural humility, and ongoing reflexivity.